LGB health is affected by many factors and physical safety is one of them. One of the signs of an inclusive society is the increased visibility of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual populations. It is heartening to see same sex couples holding hands in public places, being affectionate with each other and behaving in a similar fashion to the majority population.

With increased visibility unfortunately we also seem to face the growing incidence of violence being directed against us. Sometimes this is random but there is also a growing concern about the rate of targeted violence being experienced by LGB people in Ireland today

LGB people may face harassment and violence in the course of their daily lives just because of who they are. It may be the case that we are perceived as more vulnerable or an “easy prey ” because we are less likely to report incidents to the Gardaí. And it may be that the perpetrator feels justified in being violent because of an irrational hatred or dislike of LGB people.

Whatever the reason, it seems that the rates of violent incidents are on the increase and we have a right to have this addressed. Tips on personal safety can be seen at www.garda.ie

The GLEN/Nexus report on poverty in 1995 clearly outlines the negative impact that homophobia can have on the economic and social potential of an LGB person. Violence, or even the fear of it, is absolutely not acceptable in our lives in Ireland and we are determined that it should always be addressed when it occurs.

GLEN has met with An Garda Síochána on numerous occasions to discuss the issue and deal with this in a strategic manner. We worked with An Garda Síochána to develop the LGBT Community Safety Strategy for the Dublin Metropolitan Region which was launched by the Minister of Justice Equality and Law Reform, Michael McDowell in June 2006.

The strategy has three core elements:

• A drop-in service at the LGBT community centre Outhouse. This service is entirely confidential and people using it may remain anonymous should they wish.
• Regular Forum meetings between the Gardaí, LGB commercial venues and other community representatives
• A National Advisory Panel has been re-established to discuss and advise on policing and the LGB population nationally.

The Gardaí have also committed to developing a best practice guide for all members of the police force. Gay Liaison Officers have been deployed in many parts of the country, recruitment to the Gardaí is advertised in the gay press and LGB awareness training is being provided to the force.

We at GLEN encourage LGB people who have experienced violence or harassment to go to the police and make a report. In most parts of the country it is possible to be directed to a Gay Liaison Officer (this is a specialist community policing role for LGBT people).

A list is available at www.garda.ie.

Community safety issues can be addressed by improving communication, developing crime prevention strategies in partnership and ensuring appropriate responses from the Gardaí through awareness-raising. We expect that the Community Safety consultation can both deliver on this and move our community to a more confident relationship with the police.